DK Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and the state Congress president, has sparked controversy within his party after publicly endorsing a Mahashivratri event organized by Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation. His move has led to internal criticism, particularly from All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary PV Mohan, who accused him of damaging the ideological foundation of the party by associating with an event that aligns with the beliefs of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Mahashivratri event, hosted by Isha Foundation, is a massive spiritual gathering featuring all-night celebrations, musical performances, and guided meditations led by Sadhguru. This year, the event gained further political significance when Shivakumar not only attended but also shared the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. His presence alongside a senior BJP leader was seen by some within Congress as a political misstep, leading to speculation about his ideological stance. After the event, Shivakumar took to social media to express gratitude toward Sadhguru, posting a picture of the invitation and thanking the spiritual leader for the experience. His online endorsement further fueled criticism, with many questioning whether his actions were appropriate for someone holding a key leadership position within Congress.
Reacting to the controversy, PV Mohan posted on the social media platform X, voicing his concerns about Shivakumar’s engagement with the event. He argued that Sadhguru and Isha Foundation’s ideological leanings align with the BJP and RSS, organizations that Congress has traditionally opposed. Mohan further emphasized that Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly urged Congress leaders to stay away from individuals and institutions that promote RSS-backed ideologies. In a statement to India Today, Mohan clarified that he was not personally attacking Shivakumar but merely pointing out the contradictions between Congress’s ideological stance and the Deputy Chief Minister’s actions. He stressed that while no one was questioning Shivakumar’s personal faith or religious beliefs, as a senior Congress leader, he needed to be more careful in his public associations.
Mohan’s comments also highlighted a deeper concern within the Congress leadership about party members engaging with figures and institutions that are seen as close to the BJP. He pointed out that Rahul Gandhi is the national face of Congress and represents secularism, whereas Amit Shah is a key figure in the BJP’s political strategy. By sharing a stage with Shah at a religious event, Shivakumar, according to Mohan, sent a mixed message to party workers and supporters, many of whom have spent years countering RSS and BJP ideologies. He cautioned that such actions could lead to confusion among Congress cadres and weaken the party’s ideological clarity.
This controversy comes at a time when the Karnataka Congress is already dealing with internal power struggles and leadership tensions. Shivakumar, who has long been seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, has been at the center of political maneuvering within the state. While his public religious expressions and temple visits are seen by some as a strategy to connect with Hindu voters, they have also raised concerns within the party about maintaining the Congress’s secular image. His attendance at the Mahashivratri event follows a series of visits to temples and religious gatherings, including the Maha Kumbh, where his presence was noted by both Congress allies and BJP critics alike.
In response to the criticism, Shivakumar firmly denied any affiliations with the BJP, stating, "I was born a Congressman, and I will remain a Congressman, but I am also a staunch Hindu." He reiterated that his faith is a personal matter and should not be interpreted as a political statement. Addressing media questions about his religious visits, he defended his right to practice Hinduism while maintaining his commitment to Congress’s secular principles. He also brushed aside speculation that his religious engagements were an attempt to court Hindu voters, insisting that his political ideology remained firmly rooted in the values of the Congress party.
The debate surrounding Shivakumar’s participation in religious events is reflective of a larger discussion within Congress about balancing personal faith with political ideology. While the party has traditionally positioned itself as a secular force against the BJP’s Hindutva-driven politics, leaders like Shivakumar face the challenge of appealing to a broad electorate that includes deeply religious communities. With Karnataka being a crucial state for both the Congress and BJP, the political implications of such controversies could have a lasting impact on the party’s strategies and voter outreach efforts.
As the Congress leadership navigates these ideological debates, the larger question remains: to what extent should party leaders engage with religious and spiritual figures, particularly those perceived as leaning toward the BJP? The answer to this question will not only shape internal party dynamics but also influence Congress’s positioning ahead of future elections. The party will need to strike a balance between staying true to its secular credentials and acknowledging the cultural and religious sentiments of its voter base, all while ensuring that its leaders do not inadvertently lend credibility to the BJP’s narratives.
